"No roadmap, no shortcuts": Reflections from our Founder Pietro Pasolini

In 2025, Green Future Project earned a spot on the Sifted 100 Leaderboard, a ranking of the fastest-growing startups in France & Southern Europe.

Sifted, backed by the Financial Times, is one of the leading media voices in Europe’s startup and tech ecosystem. Each year, it ranks startups based on revenue growth, funding success, team expansion, and market traction, making its leaderboard a trusted indicator of momentum and success.

That’s why landing at #42 on this year’s list is more than a number; it’s a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. But what does it really mean to make it onto a list like this? And what does it take to grow with purpose, not just pace?

To find out, we sat down with our founder, Pietro Pasolini dall'Onda, who shared his unfiltered thoughts on the good, the bad, and everything in between on this rollercoaster journey called startup life.

“We made the list, and I couldn’t be more grateful” Pietro begins.

“But being a founder isn’t just about big moments like this. It’s a mix—the good, the bad, and sometimes, the ugly”.

And yes, he means that literally.

The good: Wild ideas and unexpected growth

Some of the best parts? Watching team members grow into roles they never imagined for themselves. Seeing a once-crazy idea actually come to life. Hearing a partner say, “This project changed how I see things”.

“Those moments are priceless,” Pietro says. “They remind you why you started in the first place.”

The bad: Tough calls and sleepless nights

Growth isn’t all celebration and highlights. “You have to say no more often than yes,” Pietro admits. “Sometimes you have to let go of things you love to protect the bigger picture. There are nights you lie awake wondering if you’re still on the right path.”

It’s the part of leadership that rarely gets talked about, but it’s what shapes the character of a company.

The ugly: Letting go

And then, there’s the hard part, “the ugly,” as he calls it. “Seeing people you admire, who’ve given so much, move on. Because startups evolve. Not every chapter lasts forever. That’s tough, especially when you’ve built something personal together.”

But even those moments, he says, are part of the journey. They make space for new ideas, new voices, and continued growth.

The 'why' behind it all

For Pietro, the driving force behind Green Future Project has always been clear: build with purpose, from day one. “Moments like this remind me why we started: to build something meaningful, together”, Pietro admits.

From the very beginning, GFP was designed to be mission-driven, not just through the technology we develop or the projects we support, but in the way the company itself is structured.

“When purpose is so deeply ingrained, the company can keep moving forward, no matter who’s at the helm. “That’s how you build something that stands the test of time.”

It’s this clarity of purpose that allows GFP to grow, evolve, and endure, anchored by values strong enough to outlive any single chapter or individual.

Beyond the milestone

This recognition didn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s the result of countless decisions, relentless teamwork, and a community that believed in the mission from day one. There’s no roadmap. No shortcuts. Just the day-to-day work of building something that matters, and staying true to it through every twist and turn.

Moments like this are worth celebrating, but more importantly, they offer a chance to reflect: on how far we’ve come, and on the values that continue to guide us forward.

“To our team, our partners, and everyone who believed in us from the beginning, thank you. This recognition is yours too.”

And to fellow founders walking their own uncertain paths, Pietro leaves a final thought:

“It’s never easy. But if you’re building with purpose, it’s always worth it.”